The President of the Traditional Region Worshippers Association in Osun State, Dr. Oluseyi Atanda, on Wednesday, urged Nigerians to refrain from using social media to escalate the ongoing disagreement between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade.
Atanda spoke in Osogbo during the 19th annual Isese Day Celebrations, which featured the release of the Ifa sacred message for the year, a parade of Orisas, and other traditional events.
While addressing the steps being taken to resolve the rift, Atanda said traditional rulers and elders in Osun and Oyo states are actively mediating to achieve an amicable resolution.
“It is a warning to all of us that if matters are not handled carefully, they can spiral out of control. Thankfully, this has come to light at an early stage. Elders in Osun are already gathering to reconcile, and the message has reached our colleagues in Oyo,” Atanda said.
He stressed that the feud is not a recent development, citing historical precedents between previous Oonis and Alaafins, including Oba Okunade Sijuade and Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.
“This is not new; social media has just amplified it. Reporters and bloggers also contribute by sensationalising the matter for clicks. But I believe this is temporary and can be resolved with calm dialogue,” he added.
Speaking on the growth of the Isese Day festival, Atanda highlighted its increasing global recognition due to rising interest in Yoruba traditional religion.
“The festival now attracts participants in the US, UK, and other countries. Attendance has nearly doubled compared to last year. More people are recognising the value of returning to our culture, tradition, and religion,” he said.
Representatives of the Ooni of Ife and the Owa Obokun Adimula, including the Agbolu of Agbaje Ife, Oba Adekunle Adebowale, and Ogboni Ipole, Oba Omoniyi Kehinde, also called on traditional rulers to embrace and safeguard Yoruba culture and heritage, which forms the foundation of their authority as monarchs.
NAN